How to Choose a Solicitor in Australia — A Practical Guide

What to check, what to ask, and how to make an informed decision when choosing a solicitor in Australia — from practising certificates to fee structures and independent rankings.

Finding the right solicitor can feel overwhelming — especially when you've never needed legal help before. Every firm's website says they're "experienced," "dedicated," and "client-focused." But how do you actually tell the difference?

This guide walks you through what to check, what to ask, and how to make an informed decision when choosing a solicitor in Australia.

Check Their Practising Certificate

Every solicitor in Australia must hold a current practising certificate issued by their state or territory's legal services regulator. This is non-negotiable — if they don't have one, they cannot legally practise.

You can verify a solicitor's practising status through the relevant law society:

  • New South Wales: Law Society of NSW — Find a Lawyer
  • Victoria: Law Institute of Victoria — Find a Lawyer
  • Queensland: Queensland Law Society — Find a Solicitor
  • Western Australia: Law Society of Western Australia
  • South Australia: Law Society of South Australia
  • Tasmania: Law Society of Tasmania
  • ACT: ACT Law Society
  • Northern Territory: Law Society NT

If a solicitor cannot be found on the relevant register, ask them directly for their practising certificate number before engaging them.

Look at Client Reviews — Not Just Testimonials

Most law firm websites display hand-picked testimonials. These are curated — the firm chose them because they're positive. They tell you what the firm wants you to see, not necessarily what most clients experienced.

Independent Google Reviews provide a more reliable picture because:

  • They're written by real clients on a platform the firm doesn't control.
  • They can't be selectively removed by the firm.
  • They include negative reviews alongside positive ones.
  • Anyone can read them and verify they exist.

Platforms like BestSolicitors aggregate and analyse verified Google Reviews to rank solicitors and law firms — giving you an objective comparison that website testimonials cannot provide.

When reading reviews, look for patterns rather than individual comments. A firm with 50 reviews averaging 4.8 stars is more reliable than a firm with 5 reviews averaging 5.0 stars. Volume and consistency matter more than perfection.

Understand Fee Structures

Legal fees vary enormously, and the cheapest solicitor is rarely the best value. Before engaging anyone, understand how they charge:

Fixed fees are common for straightforward matters like conveyancing, simple wills, or uncontested divorces. You know the total cost upfront. Ask what's included and what would trigger additional charges.

Hourly rates are typical for complex or unpredictable matters like litigation, custody disputes, or commercial negotiations. Rates vary from $250 to $800+ per hour depending on the solicitor's seniority and location. Always ask for an estimate of total hours and request regular billing updates.

No-win-no-fee arrangements are common in personal injury and workers' compensation matters. The solicitor only gets paid if you win — but read the fine print. You may still be liable for disbursements (court fees, expert reports, medical records) regardless of the outcome.

Ask every firm: "What is your fee structure for my matter, and what is your estimate of the total cost?" A firm that can't give you a clear answer to that question may not be the right fit.

Specialisation Matters

A solicitor who handles everything may not be the best choice for a complex or high-stakes matter. Look for solicitors who specialise — or at least regularly practise — in your area of need.

In Australia, some states offer formal specialist accreditation. An "accredited specialist" in family law, for example, has passed additional assessments and demonstrated significant experience in that area. It's a meaningful credential.

Even without formal accreditation, ask: "How many matters like mine have you handled in the past 12 months?" A solicitor who handled three family law cases last year is not the same as one who handled thirty.

Location and Accessibility

For matters that involve court appearances, a local solicitor offers practical advantages — familiarity with the local court, relationships with the registrar's office, and lower travel costs.

That said, many legal services can now be delivered remotely. Video consultations, electronic document signing, and online court appearances have become standard since 2020. Don't rule out a highly rated solicitor in a neighbouring city if they're a better fit for your needs.

Ask for an Initial Consultation

Most law firms offer an initial consultation — often free or at a reduced rate. Use this meeting to assess more than just legal advice:

  • Do they listen, or do they talk over you?
  • Do they explain things in plain language?
  • Do they give you a realistic assessment, or just tell you what you want to hear?
  • Do you feel comfortable and respected?

Trust your instincts. You'll be sharing personal and potentially sensitive information with this person. If you don't feel comfortable after the first meeting, keep looking.

Use Independent Rankings

Independent rankings give you an objective starting point when you don't know where to begin. BestSolicitors ranks law firms and individual solicitors across Australia using verified Google Reviews and a published scoring methodology — so you can compare firms on the same criteria before making contact.

Rankings won't tell you everything. But they'll tell you which firms consistently earn client trust — and which ones don't.

Search for solicitors in your area on the BestSolicitors rankings page, or check if a specific solicitor is ranked by visiting the score check page.